Northern California Business Development Leader (Water Business Group)
HDR, Inc., Walnut Creek, CA, United States
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
We believe water is more than a resource, it is a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you will help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you are modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Primary Responsibilities
Working in partnership with the Northern California Water Business Group (WBG) Management, the Bay Area Water Client Development Leader is responsible for strategically developing and directing business development opportunities for clients requiring drinking water, wastewater and water resources planning and design consulting services throughout northern California, focusing on opportunities and clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, you will work with all Business Groups in Northern California to create a strategy to drive the BGX initiatives to bring more of HDR to our clients. Duties include maintaining and expanding existing client relationships; identifying, establishing, and nurturing relationships with new target clients; developing market networks; positioning the firm for project pursuits that result in client selection; and leading technical teams in proposal and interview preparation.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a professional, engineering, or related field
Maintain a professional or engineering registration or certificate or have related technical experience
Proven business development success in the water consulting industry
Existing network of local clients is beneficial
Experienced in the development and management of diverse teams
Willingness to travel including overnight trips
Commitment to HDR's core values of quality work and continuous improvement
Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Required Qualifications
A minimum of 15 years relevant industry experience
Demonstrated "self-starter" with a history of completing projects with limited oversight
Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industry's standard approach to procurement of professional services
Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others
Demonstrated ability to build a network of clients and industry partners
Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies
Strong financial acumen and negotiation skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability and desire to travel and engage with others in person
Demonstrated experience in writing compelling content based on information from technical staff
Demonstrated experience in growing programs in new or highly competitive markets
Demonstrated experience in winning high-value contracts in the A/E/C industry
Company Culture
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Benefits
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $167,475.00 – $258,390.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.
Location Information
Primary Location: United States-California-Walnut Creek
Other Locations: United States-California-Santa Clara
Industry: Water
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Marketing and Admin
Job Posting: Dec 29, 2025
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We believe water is more than a resource, it is a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you will help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you are modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Primary Responsibilities
Working in partnership with the Northern California Water Business Group (WBG) Management, the Bay Area Water Client Development Leader is responsible for strategically developing and directing business development opportunities for clients requiring drinking water, wastewater and water resources planning and design consulting services throughout northern California, focusing on opportunities and clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, you will work with all Business Groups in Northern California to create a strategy to drive the BGX initiatives to bring more of HDR to our clients. Duties include maintaining and expanding existing client relationships; identifying, establishing, and nurturing relationships with new target clients; developing market networks; positioning the firm for project pursuits that result in client selection; and leading technical teams in proposal and interview preparation.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a professional, engineering, or related field
Maintain a professional or engineering registration or certificate or have related technical experience
Proven business development success in the water consulting industry
Existing network of local clients is beneficial
Experienced in the development and management of diverse teams
Willingness to travel including overnight trips
Commitment to HDR's core values of quality work and continuous improvement
Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Required Qualifications
A minimum of 15 years relevant industry experience
Demonstrated "self-starter" with a history of completing projects with limited oversight
Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industry's standard approach to procurement of professional services
Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others
Demonstrated ability to build a network of clients and industry partners
Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies
Strong financial acumen and negotiation skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability and desire to travel and engage with others in person
Demonstrated experience in writing compelling content based on information from technical staff
Demonstrated experience in growing programs in new or highly competitive markets
Demonstrated experience in winning high-value contracts in the A/E/C industry
Company Culture
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Benefits
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $167,475.00 – $258,390.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.
Location Information
Primary Location: United States-California-Walnut Creek
Other Locations: United States-California-Santa Clara
Industry: Water
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Marketing and Admin
Job Posting: Dec 29, 2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr